Creative directors are, of course, known to look back in time for archival inspiration, and this season saw a number of legacy houses, from Gucci to Fendi and Dior, revisit some of their iconic logos and most coveted silhouettes. A Vogue favorite is the reimagined Gucci Horsebit shoulder bag—a nod to the Tom Ford era—available in a multitude of colors and in small and large sizes. For those simply keen on adding a practical style to their capsule wardrobe, there are plenty of stealth wealth options worth investing in; Khaite and The Row are a great place to start if you want a bag to carry you from fall straight through spring.
As the holiday season approaches, it's time to update your handbag collection with the latest trends to shimmer in style. From modern classics to precious metals, here are the must-have handbag essentials to elevate your holiday look.
Modern Classics
Classic handbag styles never go out of fashion. Opt for a sleek black tote or a structured satchel to add a touch of sophistication to your holiday ensemble. These timeless pieces are versatile and can easily transition from day to night.
The curvilinear shapes of season’s past have made room for more boxy silhouettes to stand out this fall. Prada, Tory Burch, and Ferragamo are at the forefront of this change, delivering structured top handles with day-to-night wearability. The Row’s Dalia bag—available in a number of finishes, from suede to patent leather—is a Vogue editor must-have for the season, though, if you find yourself at the halfway point between minimalism and maximalism, make sure to check out Ferragamo’s take with its cherry red lucite handle.
Pop of Red
Add a pop of color to your holiday outfit with a vibrant red handbag. Whether it's a bold clutch or a statement crossbody, red is the perfect hue to make a stylish statement. Pair it with neutral tones for a chic and festive look.
Crimson, cherry, candy apple red—fashion’s love for the power hue continues with a slew of bold bags as seen at Chanel, Coperni, and Alexander McQueen. Dreamed up in an array of shapes and sizes, statement pieces like these will take the guesswork out of how to wear the hue this season.
Is That Vintage?
Vintage-inspired handbags are making a comeback this holiday season. Look for bags with retro details like beading, embroidery, or intricate hardware. These unique pieces will add a touch of nostalgia to your holiday wardrobe.
You’ll want to take a closer look at what’s in your closet (or your mom’s or grandma’s) because a number of heritage labels—Dior, Fendi, and Gucci, to name a few—are reviving archival logo prints and shapes. We love them all equally, but Gucci’s Horsebit chain shoulder bag (in the small size for versatility) might just be what we want for the holidays most.
Precious Metals
Metallic handbags are a must-have for the holiday season. Gold, silver, and bronze tones add a touch of glamour to any outfit. Opt for a metallic clutch or a shimmery crossbody to elevate your holiday look.
All that shimmers really is gold…and silver. Metallics—prominent on the runways at Dries Van Noten and Givenchy and equally popular among the street style set—are also revisited by contemporary labels Staud and Hereu, who put the Midas touch on signature styles such as the Ollie and Bombon bag, respectively. Pair these iridescent hues with classic fall textures like mohair and cashmere for the ultimate tactile play.
Fall Textures
Textured handbags are a major trend this fall. Look for bags in rich fabrics like velvet, suede, or faux fur. These tactile textures add depth and dimension to your holiday ensemble, making a stylish statement.
Textures are a natural fit for the Fall/Winter collections—and this season, designers have really leaned into touch-me-now fabrics—think cozy shearling at Proenza Schouler, prickly suede at Loewe, and sumptuous suede at Toteme and J.Crew.
Girl On-the-Go
For the girl on-the-go, a practical yet stylish handbag is essential. Look for crossbody bags or backpacks with multiple compartments to keep your essentials organized. Opt for hands-free options that allow you to move freely during the holiday festivities.
A new era of supersized totes is upon us, and you have Khaite, The Row, and Burberry to thank for marrying practicality with aesthetic appeal. Not only are these great work bag contenders (think of all the room for laptops!), but in the case of Khaite’s luxe weekender or Proenza Schouler’s felted tote, they’re excellent travel companions as well. These pieces aren’t meant for shoulder-carrying only, but practically pulled across the chest; slung supremely low on the hip if Daniel Lee at Burberry has his way.
With these handbag essentials in your collection, you'll be ready to shimmer in style this holiday season. Whether you prefer modern classics or vintage-inspired pieces, there's a handbag trend to suit every style. Elevate your holiday look with these must-have accessories and make a fashionable statement wherever you go.